The Hudson Reporter offices will be closed on Monday, Oct. 8 for Columbus Day. Thus, deadlines for that week's Bayonne Community News (Oct. 10) and Midweek Reporter (Oct. 11) have moved up.

Display advertisements for those issues are due by 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 5. Classified ads are due by noon on Friday, Oct. 5. Editorial items are also due by noon on Friday.

If you have questions, please call the Reporter at (201) 798-7800.

Formula One Grand Prix of America will go on despite doubts expressed earlier this week

The inaugural Grand Prix of America at Port Imperial is still on, according to a Friday press release, despite doubts expressed by Formula One President Bernie Ecclestone earlier this week.

The race is set to join the FIA Formula One World Championship series on June 16, 2013, announced by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) as part of a 20-race schedule in 19 countries on five continents.

The Grand Prix of America will run on a 3.2-mile street circuit between Weehawken and West New York, N.J., with the New York City skyline as a backdrop.

"I am proud that years of hard work have brought us to this point and we look forward to bringing world-class Formula One racing to New Jersey," race promoter and executive director Leo Hindery, Jr. said in the release.

“The support we have had from elected officials like New Jersey Governor Christie and the mayors of Weehawken and West New York, a committed property developer and a great management team has been incredible,” Hindery added in the release. “They have stuck by us through this process and we owe them our thanks. The Grand Prix of America will be a special and historic race for New Jersey and New York, for the drivers and, most importantly, for the dedicated fans of Formula One racing."

Hindery has a long history in motorsport as a driver and executive. He won his class in the 2005 24 Heures du Mans (24 Hours of Le Mans). He is also the founding chairman and former CEO of The YES Network, the largest and most successful regional sports network in the United States and the television home of the New York Yankees. He currently serves as managing partner of InterMedia Partners, LP, a media industry private equity fund headquartered in New York City.

"I became a racer very late in my life, but if you’re committed, passionate and have a great team of people behind you, you're on the road to success,” Hindery said. "Formula One's president and chief executive officer, Bernie Ecclestone, has set the highest possible standards for the drivers and their teams, fans, sponsors, and the region we call home. We won't be satisfied until those standards are met."

Fans can get information about the Grand Prix of America race activities, tickets and special events by signing up for the GPAmerica mailing list at www.gpamerica.com.

Weehawken hosts annual fundraiser for Volunteer First Aid Squad

The town of Weehawken launched its annual Fun Drive to raise money for the town’s Volunteer First Aid Squad in August with a special golfing event held at Wild Turkey Golf Course in Hamburg, NJ.

A total of 95 participants helped to raise over $10,000 for the squad.

Total annual operating expenses are around $100,000, Weehawken’s Emergency Medical Services President Jeff Welz reported, even with their 25 volunteers. Their services are free of charge and donations are tax deductible because the organization is tax exempt.

One hundred percent of donations go directly to the squad.

A letter will be sent out to residents in early October, Welz said, asking for donations and new volunteers.

“In this economy, it’s an especially great opportunity for people who haven’t made a career choice,” Welz said. “They do get paid $1,000 a year, receive free training, and many have gone on to professional medical careers.”

There are over 100 alumni who have become professional career Emergency Medical Team members, paramedics, nurses, electrocardiogram technicians, and doctors.

For more information on Weehawken’s Volunteer First Aid Squad or to make a donation, call (201) 733-7614.

Weehawken Recreation offers golf lessons

Weehawken Recreation will hold golf lessons at the Edgewater Driving Range beginning Monday, October 1 through Monday November 19 from 7 to 8 p.m. Residents must provide their own transportation to the golf range.

Lessons are for Weehawken residents only. Proof of residency is required.

To sign up, please call the Recreation Department at (201) 319-6061.

Weehawken Library to hold story times

The Weehawken Free Public Library will begin registration for its Circle Time and Story Time Programs on Monday, Oct. 1 at 9 a.m. It is highly recommended that registration be done in person. The library is located at 49 Hauxhurst Ave.

Both programs are open to Weehawken residents only and proof of residency, along with the child's birth certificate or passport, are required. Phone registration will be accepted, but participants must present required documents at the time of the first class.

Programs begin the week of Oct. 22. Specific programs and days/timesare as follows:

-Circle Time Senior: 19 to 24 months, Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

-Story Time Tuesday: 2 to 3 year olds, Tuesdays from 10:30 to11:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. (Please note that a child may participate in only one of these sessions.)

-Story Time Saturday: 3 to 4 year olds, Saturdays, 10:30 to11:30 a.m.

For further information call the Weehawken Public Library @ 201-863-7823.

Free flu and pneumonia vaccines for seniors

The seasonal flu and pneumonia vaccine will be distributed on Oct. 12 at the following sites and times:

-The Senior Nutrition Center, 201 Highwood Ave., 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

-The Community Room, 525 Gregory Ave., 2 p.m. to 4p.m.

All interested seniors are asked to call the Senior Center at (201) 319-6060 to sign up for the vaccine. Vaccines will be distributed for free by North Hudson Community Action Corporation.

SARTONK sponsors writing contest

Union City’s SARTONK has launched the inaugural Ali-King Award for Writing in Boxing. Co-sponsored by the WBO, IBF, WBA, IBO, New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame, New Jersey Association of USA Boxing, Gleason’s Gym, and Global Boxing Gym, this year’s contest is geared toward boxers and boxing enthusiasts between the ages of 17 and 22, who live in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.

“The contest’s intention is to promote literacy and inspire youth to think about our sport’s social and historical significance,” explains Hasmig Tatiossian, SARTONK’s Director of Community Affairs. Regarding their influential list of sponsors, she intimates, “As the creator of championship belts, we’re in the position to draw the support of key entities in boxing -- internationally and locally. Imagine the enthusiasm of the winners when their certificates bear the distinct logos of such sponsors. The result, we feel, is truly empowering.”

Participants are asked to choose one of four essay topics ranging from autobiographical analyses of boxing to the role of women in boxing, or the historical impact of leaders like Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King, Jr.

“We set out to honor Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King, Jr. for their positive social contributions. We feel that awarding an ‘Ali-King Award’ to boxing youth would be an appropriate way of doing this while also inspiring these young minds,” comments Edward S. Majian, President of Sartonk Designs.

Winners will be presented with their awards, including an original SARTONK design, at the New Jersey Boxing Hall of Fame Banquet in November, where they will be able to address an audience studded with local stars.

More information about the contest, including submission guidelines, deadlines, awards, and ways for you to help support it can be found on www.sartonk.com/ali-king. Questions can be sent to hasmig@sartonk.com.

Weehawken Weekenders to hold trips in fall

On Oct. 3, the Weehawken Weekenders will attend “Octoberfest” at the Royal Manor in Garfield, for $45.

On Oct. 13, they will visit the Nordic Lodge with all you can eat lobster and more in Charlestown, R.I. and proceed to Mohegan Sun Casino, for $125.

The Weekenders are also planning an eight-night Canadian and New England cruise on the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas, departing from Bayonne on Aug. 31, 2013 and sailing through Sept. 8.

All trips include transportation and gratuities. Call the Weekenders office at (201) 319-6059 for more information or to make a reservation.

CASA seeks foster care volunteers

Are you interested in helping children in the foster care system? If so, Hudson County CASA is currently recruiting volunteers to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children. CASA works through trained community volunteers to insure that needed services and assistance are made available to children while helping to move them toward safe and permanent homes.

CASA (court appointed special advocate) and its volunteers speak for children in court, serve as fact finders for the judges and safeguard the interests of the children while they are in the foster care system.

Please attend an information session to learn more about the program and the role of its volunteers. A session will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2012 from 6 to 7 p.m. in Room 400 of the Hudson County Administration Building at 595 Newark Ave., Jersey City.

Hudson County has nearly 700 children in foster care; most have been removed from their homes for abuse or neglect. For further information, please call (201) 795-9855, e-mail mgarcia@hudsoncountycasa.org or visit our website at www.hudsoncountycasa.org.

Weehawken Seniors Club seeks new members

The Weehawken Senior Citizens Club is looking for new members. They meet on the first and third Friday afternoons of each month.

Why not come and spend a couple of hours in an air conditioned room, and visit with your old friends? Refreshments will be served, a “Share the Wealth” drawing will be held, and games will be played.

In addition, the club holds special holiday dinners, luncheons, and other events and activities. New members are only strangers the first time they come. Those interested can call (201) 867-5126.